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Man Busted Impersonating Homeland Security Agent During Stop On Long Island Expressway

A man went through great lengths to impersonate a US Department of Homeland Security agent during a stop on the Long Island Expressway, police announced.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

Photo Credit: ICE photo

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, a Suffolk County Police officer was traveling on the LIE when he spotted a 2019 Audi A8 driving with emergency blue and red lights activated in the windshield driving in the HOV lane, prompting a traffic stop.

Police said that the driver of the Audi, Elmhurst resident Fernando Garnecho attempted to portray himself to the officer as an on-duty United States Department of Homeland Security agent during the subsequent stop.

According to investigators, Garnecho was wearing a black Homeland Security jacket with law enforcement insignia patches and the letters ICE on front and back and had a black replica handgun in a leather holster on the passenger seat.

He also allegedly was in possession of a placard, and other law enforcement identifiers, which appeared to be fabricated.

Upon further investigation, police said it was determined that Garnecho is not employed by the US Department of Homeland Security and he was placed under arrest.

Garnecho, age 55, was charged with first-degree criminal impersonation. He was held overnight and scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday, Sept. 8.

Detectives are asking anyone with information, or who believes they may have been victimized by Garnecho, to contact the Suffolk County Police Department Fourth Squad by calling (631) 854-8443.

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